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News 16 September 2014

All the news for Tuesday 16 September 2014


Chile men & Canada women run riot in Guadalajara

Hockey World League Round 1 - Guadalajara, Mexico (Men & Women)


Canada women stormed into the second phase of the Hockey World League with a dazzling display in Guadalajara, Mexico. (Photo: Yan Huckendubler)

Chile men and Canada women emerged victorious at the Hockey World League Round 1 event in the Mexican city of Guadalajara, with both teams finishing top of the standings with 100 per cent winning records in their respective competitions.

The first place finishes mean that both have earned qualification for HWL Round 2, keeping the dream of qualifying for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games very much alive and kicking.

The Chilean men lived up to their billing as pre-tournament favourites with three comprehensive victories that left little doubt that they were worthy champions. Two goals from Nicolas Renz helped the team ranked 26 in the world to a richly deserved 3-1 win over host nation Mexico (WR: 35) on Friday (12 September) while Renz grabbed another double on Saturday (13 September) as his side cruised to a 4-1 success against Brazil (WR: 34).

Chile confirmed their tournament triumph with a 19-0 win over minnows Guatemala (WR: 71) on Sunday, with Vincente Martin collecting the biggest haul with five goals to his name. Martin ended the tournament with a total of six goals, one behind Mexico’s Francisco Aguilar who ended finished top of the scoring charts with seven.

To find out more information about the men’s tournament in Guadalajara including results, scorers and tables, click here.

Canada were in absolutely ruthless form in women’s tournament, netting a staggering 63 goals in three matches to seal a comfortable passage through to Round 2 of the Hockey World League.

The North Americans powered to a 34-0 win over unranked Guatemala before despatching both Mexico (6-0 - WR: 28) and Peru (22-0 - unranked) to confirm their place at the top of the standings in emphatic style. Their devastating form suggests that they will be a team to be feared in the second phase.

Canadian attacker Brienne Stairs finished as the tournament top scorer with 13 goals, netting six against both Guatemala and Peru as well as a solitary strike against Mexico.

To find out more information about the women’s tournament in Guadalajara including results, scorers and tables, click here.

The winning teams at all of the Hockey World League Round 1 events are guaranteed a place in Round 2 of the Hockey World League, where they will be joined by a number of the highest-placed finishers from the Round 1 tournaments. Round 2 will also see the introduction of the teams placed from 12 to 19 in the FIH World Rankings with the sides ranked 1 to 11 starting their journey in Round 3, where tickets for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games as well as qualification for the Finals tournament are up for grabs. 

To learn more about the second edition of the Hockey World League, click here.

Round 1 tournament winners

Men

Sveti Ivan Zelina, Croatia (1-6 July): Russia
Hradec Králové, Czech Republic (2-7 September): Belarus
Nairobi, Kenya (5-7 September): Egypt
Dhaka, Bangladesh (5-7 September): Bangladesh
Muscat, Oman (5-7 September): Azerbaijan
Lousada, Portugal (12-14 September): Austria
Guadalajara (12-14 September): Chile
Kingston, Jamaica (30 September-5 October): Upcoming
Suva, Fiji (6-13 December): Upcoming

Women

Singapore (21-27 June): Malaysia
Siauliai, Lithuania (26-29 June): Belarus
Nairobi, Kenya (5-7 September): Kenya
Hradec Králové, Czech Republic (5-7 September): France
Guadalajara, Mexico (11-14 September): Canada
Kingston, Jamaica (30 September - 5 October): Upcoming
Suva, Fiji (6-13 December): Upcoming

FIH site



Körper fires Austria to glory in Portugal

Hockey World League Round 1 - Lousada, Portugal (Men)


Michael Körper (far right) finished top of the scoring charts as Austria eased their way into Round 2 of the Hockey World League. (Photo: Hockey.at)

Star striker Michael Körper fired Austria to a first place finish in the Hockey World League Round 1 event in Lousada, bagging three goals to ensure that his team finished ahead of tournament rivals Italy and host nation Portugal.

The tournament victory sealed Austria’s place in Round 2, maintaining their own hopes of achieving qualification for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Austria started the tournament with a 1-1 draw against Portugal on Friday (12 September) but claimed an extra point from the game by comfortably winning the shoot-out 3-0 thanks to a goalkeeping masterclass from Michael Mäntler, who kept a clean sheet.

Austria really hit form in their second game, cruising to a 6-1 triumph over Italy on Saturday (13 September). All of the goals came from open play, with Körper netting three times alongside strikes from Benjamin Stanzl, Xaver Hasun and Pit Rudofsky, with Ignacio Manes on target for the Italians. The result was enough to seal Austria’s safe passage through to Round 2 even before Sunday’s final Round Robin match, which saw Italy power to a 5-2 win against Portugal.

It is not the first time that Körper and Stanzl have netted crucial goals this year. Both players were on target in the final of this year’s Euro Hockey League, helping Germany’s Harvestehuder THC to victory over Oranje Zwart of the Netherlands. 

To find out more information about the tournament in Lousada including results, scorers and tables, click here.

The winning teams at all of the Hockey World League Round 1 events are guaranteed a place in Round 2 of the Hockey World League, where they will be joined by a number of the highest-placed finishers from the Round 1 tournaments. Round 2 will also see the introduction of the teams placed from 12 to 19 in the FIH World Rankings with the sides ranked 1 to 11 starting their journey in Round 3, where tickets for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games as well as qualification for the Finals tournament are up for grabs. 

To learn more about the second edition of the Hockey World League, click here.

Round 1 tournament winners

Men

Sveti Ivan Zelina, Croatia (1-6 July): Russia
Hradec Králové, Czech Republic (2-7 September): Belarus
Nairobi, Kenya (5-7 September): Egypt
Dhaka, Bangladesh (5-7 September): Bangladesh
Muscat, Oman (5-7 September): Azerbaijan
Lousada, Portugal (12-14 September): Austria
Guadalajara (12-14 September): Chile
Kingston, Jamaica (30 September-5 October): Upcoming
Suva, Fiji (6-13 December): Upcoming

Women

Singapore (21-27 June): Malaysia
Siauliai, Lithuania (26-29 June): Belarus
Nairobi, Kenya (5-7 September): Kenya
Hradec Králové, Czech Republic (5-7 September): France
Guadalajara, Mexico (11-14 September): Canada
Kingston, Jamaica (30 September - 5 October): Upcoming
Suva, Fiji (6-13 December): Upcoming

FIH site



HTHC's Körper inspires Austria

Harvestehuder THC striker Michael Körper fired Austria to a first place finish in the Hockey World League Round 1 event in Lousada, bagging three goals to ensure that his team finished ahead of tournament rivals Italy and host nation Portugal.

The tournament victory sealed Austria’s place in Round 2, maintaining their own hopes of achieving qualification for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Austria started the tournament with a 1-1 draw against Portugal on Friday (12 September) but claimed an extra point from the game by comfortably winning the shoot-out 3-0 thanks to a goalkeeping masterclass from Michael Mäntler, who kept a clean sheet.

Austria really hit form in their second game, cruising to a 6-1 triumph over Italy on Saturday (13 September). All of the goals came from open play, with Körper netting three times alongside strikes from club mates Benjamin Stanzl and Xaver Hasun as well as Pit Rudofsky.

“Our goal was to finish this tournament in first place and go directly to round two,” Körper said. “Of course we are happy with this; why shouldn’t we be? It was our goal and we achieved it.”

Euro Hockey League media release



Former player Mervyn Fernandes hopes India ends hockey gold drought at Asian Games

Once a powerhouse in men's hockey at the world level, India steadily lost its stature over the years and even at the Asian Games gold medals were few and far between, but former inside forward Mervyn Fernandes hopes the national team will be able to regain its "golden" touch at the upcoming Asiad.

Like many keen followers of the men's hockey team's progress, Mervyn, too, is waiting with bated breath for the country's name to be recast in gold again at Asian Games starting on September 19.

"I am keeping my fingers crossed, but this team is capable of doing it. The crunch is deliverance. It has done well in the last few international tournaments and the big plus is there have been very few changes in the team," Mervyn told PTI on Monday.

India, world conquerors in the bygone days when it grabbed six successive Olympic gold medals and eight in all, has ended up second best to arch-foe Pakistan on most occasions in the past Asian Games.

Hockey is a Games discipline since 1958 at Tokyo and India clinched its first hockey gold in the continental multi- discipline sports spectacle in 1966 at Bangkok and recaptured it 32 years later in the same Thai capital.

Since then the country's hockey fans have been waiting for yet another gold in men's hockey from three more editions of the Asian Games. The 17th edition in Incheon, South Korea, offers India a chance not only to break the jinx but also gain a direct entry to the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio De Janeiro.

Mervyn, a member of the 1980 Olympic hockey gold medal winning team, feels that the biggest incentive on offer is the direct entry to the Rio Games, avoiding the pitfalls of 2008 when the country failed to qualify for the Beijing Olympics.

"That, I feel, is a very big incentive as these Olympic qualifiers are very tough to negotiate. Nothing like winning the gold in the Asian Games and gaining a direct entry into the Olympics," said the Air India employee.

Reminded about the new format to be introduced in international hockey, at the Asiad, with the game split into four quarters of 15 minutes each, Fernandes said the team which adapts to it quickly will be a big gainer.

"Remember, when the drag-flick was introduced we took a lot of time to figure it out while the Germans and Dutch took to it fast and smashed other teams. I am sure (head coach) Terry Walsh and (high performance director) Roelant Oltmans would have worked out these things with the boys."

DNA



Schedule released for the men’s Hero Hockey Champions Trophy 2014, Bhubaneswar, India


(Photo: www.treebyimages.com.au)

FIH today released the pools and match schedule for the Hero Hockey Champions Trophy in Bhubaneswar, India. The tournament will start on 6th December 2014 and conclude with the Final on 14th December 2014.

This glamorous, exclusive and prestigious tournament will showcase the very best that hockey has to offer, with some of the finest international teams in the men's game competing to claim the trophy.

Pool A will consist of 2014 World Cup and defending champions, Australia; Commonwealth Games bronze medallists, England; Euro nations silver medallists, Belgium and current Asian Games Champions, Pakistan. While in Pool B, hosts India, will face World Cup 2014 bronze medallists, Argentina; World Cup 2014 runners-up, the Netherlands and 2012 Olympic gold medallists, Germany.

The opening day of the tournament (Saturday 6 December) will feature all eight teams taking to the field on India's first newly built Olympic standard pink and blue hockey pitch in the Kalinga Stadium.  The 5,000 seater stadium also serves as the home ground for Hero Hockey India League franchise, Kalinga Lancers.

FIH President, Leandro Negre said: “We are excited about the tournament as we know fans in Bhubaneswar love hockey, as witnessed by the packed stands during the Hero Hockey India League earlier this year at the Kalinga Stadium.”

“This is indeed a very exciting time for hockey lovers as the best teams of the world are converging in Bhubaneswar to win the coveted trophy. The fan following of the sport is on an upswing in India. The country is all geared up to host the international teams and witness some unforgettable hockey moments being created in Bhubaneswar in December this year,” Dr. Narinder Batra, Hockey India Secretary General said.

To see the complete tournament schedule, please click here.

FIH site



’Ashes’ clash opens Champions Trophy

Kookaburras to meet England, Belgium and Pakistan in December



New Kookaburras coach Graham Reid will lead his side against Commonwealth Games bronze medallists England in the opening match of hockey’s Champions Trophy in December after the International Hockey Federation released the pools and match schedule.

The tournament, which will take place in Bhubaneswar, India, starts on 6 December 2014 and conclude with the final on 14 December 2014.

Fans in Australia will be able to follow the Kookaburras’ Champions Trophy campaign on the ABC.

The tournament, which will take place in Bhubaneswar, India, starts on 6 December 2014 and concludes with the final on 14 December 2014. Fans in Australia will be able to follow the Kookaburras’ Champions Trophy campaign on the ABC.

The Australian men – the world’s number one side and reigning World and Commonwealth Champions – have an incredible record in the competition, which has seen them win each of the last five Champions Trophies, a run that stretches back to 2008.

The prestigious tournament will showcase the very best that hockey has to offer, with eight of the finest international teams in the men's game competing to claim the trophy.

Joining Australia and England in Pool A are European silver medallists Belgium and defending 2010 Asian Games champions, Pakistan. In Pool B, hosts India will face World Cup 2014 bronze medallists Argentina, World Cup runners-up, the Netherlands and 2012 Olympic gold medallists, Germany.

Speaking about the draw, Kookaburras coach Graham Reid said: “With eight of the world’s top 11 teams competing we know that they’ll all be difficult games. That’s the nature of the Champions Trophy. The order of the matches doesn’t really concern me.

“We’ve met England and Belgium quite a few times this year and we will get an idea of Pakistan from the Asian Games, which starts this week. We know they’re always very competitive.

“Belgium are certainly a danger team as we head towards Rio and I’m sure we’ll see that in India. We’re looking forward to it.”

Aside from his time as number two to Ric Charlesworth, Reid has tasted coaching success in the tournament in his own right having led Australia to the 2012 gold medal in Melbourne, the last time the competition was held. As a player he competed in nine Champions Trophy tournaments, winning gold on four occasions.

The opening day of the tournament will feature all eight teams taking to the field on India's first newly-built Olympic standard pink and blue hockey pitch in the Kalinga Stadium. The 5,000-seater stadium also serves as the home ground for Hero Hockey India League franchise, Kalinga Lancers.

FIH President, Leandro Negre said: “We are excited about the tournament as we know fans in Bhubaneswar love hockey, as witnessed by the packed stands during the Hero Hockey India League earlier this year at the Kalinga Stadium.”

Hockey Australia will announce the Kookaburras’ Champions Trophy training squad the week commencing 13 October, following the conclusion of the Australian Hockey League powered by Premier Technology Solutions. The final selected team will depart for India on 29 November.

> Download the full fixture list here

Kookaburras’ fixtures – Hero Hockey Champions Trophy 2014
Saturday 6 December – 17:30 AEDT – Australia v England
Sunday 7 December – 17:30 AEDT – Belgium v Australia
Tuesday 9 December – 23:00 AEDT – Australia v Pakistan
Thursday 11 December – time tbc – quarter finals
Saturday 13 December – time tbc – semi final OR fifth/eighth playoffs
Sunday 14 December – time tbc – medal matches or classification playoffs

Note: Bhubaneswar is 5.5hours behind Australian Eastern Daylight Savings time.

Kookaburras’ Champions Trophy record
13 gold medals – 10 silver medals – 4 bronze medals
1978 Lahore, PAK  -  Silver
1980 Karachi, PAK  -  Bronze
1981 Karachi, PAK  -  Silver
1982 Amstelveen, NED  -  Silver
1983 Karachi, PAK  -  Gold
1984 Karachi, PAK  -  Gold
1985 Perth, AUS  -  Gold
1986 Karachi, PAK  -  Silver
1987 Amstelveen, NED  -  Bronze
1988 Lahore, PAK  -  Bronze
1989 Berlin, GER  -  Gold
1990 Melbourne, AUS  -  Gold
1991 Berlin, GER  -  4th
1992 Karachi, PAK  -  Silver
1993 Kuala Lumpur, MAS  -  Gold
1994 Lahore, PAK  -  4th
1995 Berlin, GER  -  Silver     1996 Madras, IND  -  6th
1997 Adelaide, AUS  -  Silver
1998 Lahore, PAK  -  Bronze
1999 Brisbane, AUS  -  Gold
2000 Amstelveen, NED  -  5th
2001 Rotterdam, NED  -  Silver
2002 Cologne, GER  -  5th
2003 Amstelveen, NED  -  Silver
2004 Lahore, PAK  -  Did not participate
2005 Chennai, IND  -  Gold
2006 Terrassa, ESP  -  4th
2007 Kuala Lumpur, MAS  -  Silver
2008 Rotterdam, NED  -  Gold
2009 Melbourne, AUS  -  Gold
2010 Monchengladbach, GER  -  Gold
2011 Auckland, NZL  -  Gold
2012 Melbourne, AUS  -  Gold

Hockey Australia media release



Champions Trophy: India clubbed with Netherlands, Germany

NEW DELHI: India have been clubbed with World No.2 the Netherlands and World No.3 Germany in the eight-team Champions Trophy slated for December 6-14 in Bhubaneswar, it was announced by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) on Monday.

Pool A will consist of 2014 World Cup winners and defending champions Australia, Commonwealth Games bronze medallists England, Euro nations silver medallists Belgium and Asian Games champions Pakistan. In Pool B, hosts India will face World Cup 2014 bronze medallists Argentina, World Cup 2014 runners-up the Netherlands and 2012 Olympic gold medallists Germany.

The Champions Trophy has a long and illustrious history since it was founded in 1978 by Pakistan's Air Marshal Nur Khan, a former president of the Pakistan Hockey Federation.

Pakistan remain the only Asian team to win the competition to date and earned their place at the 2014 competition through their third place result in the 2012 tournament in Melbourne. Eyes will be on their performance, having missed out on qualifying for the World Cup earlier this year for the first time in their history.

The opening day of the tournament will feature all eight teams taking to the field on India's first newly built Olympic standard pink and blue hockey pitch in the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar. The 5,000 seater stadium also serves as the home ground for Hero Hockey India League franchise, Kalinga Lancers.

"We are excited about the tournament as we know fans in Bhubaneswar love hockey, as witnessed by the packed stands during the Hero Hockey India League earlier this year at the Kalinga Stadium," said FIH president Leandro Negre.

Narinder Batra, Hockey India secretary general, said this is indeed a very exciting time for hockey lovers as the best teams of the world are converging in Bhubaneswar to win the coveted trophy.

"The fan following of the sport is on an upswing in India. The country is all geared up to host the international teams and witness some unforgettable hockey moments being created in Bhubaneswar in December this year," he said.

Pool A (with world rankings): Australia (1), Belgium (4), England (5), Pakistan (11)

Pool B: Netherlands (2), Germany (3), Argentina (7), India (9)

Fixture:

Dec 6: Australia vs England, Belgium vs Pakistan, Netherlands vs Argentina, Germany vs India
Dec 7: Belgium vs Australia, England vs Pakistan, Germany vs Netherlands, Argentina vs India
Dec 8: Rest day
Dec 9: Argentina vs Germany, England vs Belgium, Australia vs Pakistan, Netherlands vs India
Dec 10: Rest day
Dec 11: Quarterfinals
Dec 12: Rest day
Dec 13: Semifinals and classification matches
Dec 14: Final and classification matches

The Times of India



India draw tough opponents in Champions Trophy hockey

NEW DELHI: The Indian hockey team has been drawn in a tough group alongside Olympic champion Germany and World Cup runner-up the Netherlands among others for the Champions Trophy to be held in Bhubaneswar from December 6-14.

Placed in pool B, India will also have 2014 World Cup bronze medallist Argentina to deal with.

Pool A consists of 2014 World Cup and defending champions Australia, Commonwealth Games bronze medallist England, Euro nations silver medallist Belgium and defending Asian Games gold medallist Pakistan.

Since its inception in 1978, Pakistan remains the only Asian team to win the competition. They earned a place at the 2014 competition through their third-place finish in the 2012 tournament in Melbourne.

The opening day of the tournament will feature all eight teams taking to the field on India's first newly built Olympic standard pink and blue hockey pitch in the Kalinga Stadium.

The 5,000-seater stadium also serves as the home ground for Hero Hockey India League franchise, Kalinga Lancers.

FIH President, Leandro Negre said: "We are excited about the tournament as we know fans in Bhubaneswar love hockey, as witnessed by the packed stands during the Hero Hockey India League earlier this year at the Kalinga Stadium."

"This is indeed a very exciting time for hockey lovers as the best teams of the world are converging in Bhubaneswar to win the coveted trophy. The fan following of the sport is on an upswing in India.

"The country is all geared up to host the international teams and witness some unforgettable hockey moments being created in Bhubaneswar in December this year," said Narinder Batra, Hockey India secretary general.

The Times of India



Hockey India League from January 22

Hockey India League will begin on January 22 next year and conclude on February 22, said HI CEO Elena Norman here today.

"It's starting Jan 22 and will finish on Sunday, February 22. We are just working on the schedule which will be declared over the next couple of weeks," said the HI CEO who is on a visit to the city to meet up with FIH CEO Kelly Fairweather tomorrow.

"I have some meetings with the international federation. It's a routine meeting about conducting (international) tournaments in India, their status reports. We have meetings only a couple of times a year," said Norman who said the status report on the upcoming Champions Trophy in Bhubaneswar will also come up.

The HI CEO said the introduction of two new city-based franchises in HI League in place of two others would not affect the league in any way.

"We have announced two new franchises (for Mumbai and Pune). I don't think it will affect the league. The two new franchises are keen and excited," she said.

The schedule for the Indian teams would be drawn up till the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio after the conclusion of the Asian Games in Incheon, Norman said.

"After the Asian Games we will have our schedule for the teams ready till the 2016 Olympics. We want to have an annual event every year in India. We like to plan things much in advance," she explained.

Among those tournaments is the eight-team World League Round 2 for women in March for which a couple of venues have "been shortlisted", the HI CEO said.

Asked about Mumbai being seen as one of the venues for an international fixture or tournament, Norman said," Mumbai is not out of the mix currently." She indicated that Mumbai Hockey Stadium was lacking a practice pitch and falling short in some other areas too.

"We are trying to schedule more international matches, but over last two years the schedule was incredibly tight. Traditionally Delhi has the best facilities available," she said.

DNA



Canadian Men's Indoor Squads named in preparation for 2015 World Cup

Toronto, ON – Sixteen athletes have been named to Canada Men’s Indoor Squad in preparation for the Indoor World Cup to be held in Leipzig, Germany from February 4th to 8th 2015.

The squad will train together from September 2014 to January 2015 in Toronto.

In addition, sixteen athletes have also been named to a Canada “A” Squad.

This Squad will train from September 2014 to December 2014.

Canada has qualified for the 2015 Indoor World Cup after winning their 4th consecutive Gold at the Pan Am Cup earlier April.

A four-team thanksgiving event will be held in Toronto from October 10th to 13th in Toronto. Teams from Argentina and South Africa, along with Canada and Canada “A” teams will participate in this event.

Canada’s indoor squads consist of a very good blend of youth and experience and great leadership.

The Squads are led by Ken Pereira, who is Canada’s most capped outdoor player, Jeewanjot Bath, who is most capped indoor, and veteran Scott Sandison.

The squad also has some young exciting players with tremendous upside, who will be exciting to watch this winter and in the future.

The indoor program will bring international competition to Canadian soil, which will benefit the entire field hockey community.

Canadian Men’s Indoor Squad

    Devohn  Noronha Teixeira
    Floyd Mascarenhas
    Gaganpal Dhanju
    Gurtej Dhaliwal
    Jeevan Jammu
    Jeewanjot Sing Bath
    Jonathan Roberts
    Ken Pereira
    Lyle Fernandes
    Micah Teixeira
    Pardeep Koonar  (GK)
    Satnam Singh Dosanjh
    Shane Rajaraman
    Shankar Premakanthan (GK)
    Scott Sandinson
    Tyler Branco

Canadian Men’s Indoor “A” Squad

    Amritjot Toor
    Arshjot Toor
    Balraj Takhar
    Braedon Muldoon
    Gurtaj Brar
    Immanjit Sahota (Manna)
    Jasmeet Gill
    Johnny Tse
    Jugraj Kalkat
    Lyndon Lemos (GK)
    Manvirjot Benipal
    Parmeet Gill
    Ranbir Kalkat (GK)
    Rohan Chopra
    Tranpreet Singh
    William (Liam) Manning (GK)

Field Hockey Canada media release



Govia to coach ‘Calypso Stickmen’

Nigel Simon


Raphael Govia

Queen’s Park player and coach Raphael Govia has been appointed as the interim head coach of the T&T senior men’s hockey team for the International Hockey Federation (FIH) World League First Round qualifying tournament in Kingston, Jamaica from September 30 to October 5.

The 42-year-old Govia, who retired from representing the national team in 2010 is expected to have his first session with the team today at the National Hockey Centre, Tacarigua, as they continue their preparations for the five-team tournament which also involves host Jamaica, Barbados, Dominican Republic and Venezuela at the end of which the winner will secure lone spot available to the Second Round in Chula Vista, California, next year (February 28-March 8).

Govia, who has coached locally at Shandy Carib Magnolias and his club, Queen’s Park for over ten years was appointed to the national team position due to the unavailability of men’s coach Glen “Fido” Francis and Andrew Wilson, of English club, Canterbury.

A former national goalkeeper Francis was forced to withdraw from coaching duties because of his promotional courses at the T&T Defence Force while Wilson, who served as his assistant at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland is also unavailable.

Govia will also have to cope without the services of Kwandwane Browne and Dillet Gilkes in Jamaica due to club commitments in England as the T&T men, the reigning Caribbean hockey champions, will be hoping to get back to winning form after a tough campaign at the Commonwealth Games.

Back then, the locals, who were without a few key players, ended in tenth spot after a 2-0 loss at the hands of Wales in their playoff.

Earlier in their round-robin group phase, T&T was also beaten by England (6-1), New Zealand (8-0) and Canada (3-1) before recording a first ever win at the Games, 4-2 over the higher ranked Malaysia.

Leading the team in Jamaica will be Notre Dame’s Darren Cowie, who turned 30 yesterday while his club-mate Aidan De Gannes will serve as his assistant while the experienced former vice-captain Dwain Quan Chan is out due to work commitments.

Included for the first time at senior level is Malvern’s 16-year-old Kristien Emmanuel while Kiel Murray, Shane Legerton and goalkeeper Karlos Stephens return after missing out on Scotland.

When the inaugural World League competition was held two years ago, T&T under the supervision of Francis topped its Round One series on home soil in fine style after victories over Chile (2-1), Barbados (3-1) and Venezuela (9-2) at Tacarigua.

However, the Second Round qualifier in Rio de Janeiro proved much more challenging as T&T suffered losses against Argentina (9-2), South Africa (10-2) and Chile (0-4) but won against Brazil (6-2) and USA, 4-3 via a penalty stroke led by Francis as well.

Squad

T&T men’s hockey team: Andrey Rocke (goalkeeper), Karlos Stephen (goalkeeper), Darren Cowie (captain), Aidan De Gannes (vice-captain), Akim Toussaint, Mickell Pierre, Solomon Eccles, Michael II 'Otis' O'Connor, Jordan Reynos, Stefan Mouttet, Nicholas 'Triston' Grant, Ishmael Campbell, Shaquille Daniel, Marcus James, Shane Legerton, Kristien Emmanuel, Kiel Murray, Tariq Marcano.

Technical staff: Raphael Govia (interim coach), Kirth David (manager), Cindy Martin-Faustin (head of delegation), Zynul Khan (doctor), Karielle De Bique (physiotherapist), Nicholas Baldeosingh (IT technician)

The Trinidad Guardian



David South makes a big splash

DAVID SOUTH knows where he wants his Holcombe club to go after 37 years as chairman - and he has the money to do it.

By: Graham Wilson


Nick Catlin has been pivotal for Holcombe this season [GETTY]

The property developer has splashed the cash on contracting a host of internationals. Some say the amounts are unsustainable, others are all for it - especially the players, who need that back-up to make a life for themselves whilst in full-time training.

Holcombe ran up a 5-1 win over Old Loughtonians in the NOW: Pensions East Conference League on Saturday, Gareth Andrew the grateful receiver of four goals from a rampant midfield in England captain Barry Middleton and quickfire Nick Catlin.

Holcombe's women got their life in the Investec Premier Division off to a good start too with England's Nicola White scoring in a 3-0 victory over Bowdon Hightown.

"Of course it is not sustainable," said South. "I wanted to put back into the club that has given me a lot. We have to get the balance right.

"We are an unfashionable club. We wanted to take it on a journey. To give the teams a boost, we have to get in the professionals. We are setting targets. We want to establish ourselves in the Premier Division and kick on for Europe.

"You cannot stop otherwise you end up going the other way. Eventually we want a club made up of a third of players brought in externally, and two-thirds internal.

"England are paying players on central contracts, that's not enough for them to survive. As you get bigger it becomes impossible to fill in all the roles on a voluntary basis."

Make no mistake, Holcombe are going to be around for a long time to come - South has just negotiated a 200-year lease for the club.

In the men's division Ashley Jackson scored in the dying seconds to give East Grinstead a 4-3 win over Cannock, who had been 3-1 up at half-time. George Scott did the same for Southgate in their 2-1 win against Brooklands.

Champions Beeston hit Canterbury 6-2, while Kiwi corner striker Andrew Hayward and Will Naylor struck two goals with two minutes remaining to rock Wimbledon 2-1. Surbiton beat Reading 3-1.

Lily Owsley's 46th-minute goal gave Birmingham University their first premier win in five years over Leicester, who missed a penalty stroke. Sarah Kerly scored twice in Canterbury's 5-1 beating of Beeston while champions Surbiton, who have just signed Kiwi international Julia King, were held to a goal-less draw by Reading.

Champions Trophy draw

England's men have been drawn against world champions Australia, Euro Nations silver medallists Belgium and Asian Games champions Pakistan in the Hero Hockey Champions Trophy in India (December 6-15).

Olympic gold medallists Germany face World Cup silver medallists Holland, the bronze medallists Argentina and hosts India.

Daily Express



Premier Divisions: The Inside Track


Olivia Chilton and Lily Owsley Celebrate UoB vs Leicester

With the first weekend of both the NOW: Pensions Men's Premier Division and the Investec Women's Premier Division taking place at the weekend there were plenty of excellent performances, goals and drama across the country. We caught up with University of Birmingham's Lily Owsley and Beeston Coach Matt Taylor to get their thoughts on their teams' first outing of the new season.

Lily Owsley on beating local rivals Leicester 1-0:

"It meant a lot  more to us than just a normal win. We felt a bit hard done by with some of the defeats last season and with Leicester being a local rival who’s had a lot of success, we felt like it was a bit of a turnaround. Hopefully this is the start of something special for us.

On her team's strengths and weaknesses:

"We are inexperienced and naive at times but sometimes that can work in our favour. We have some young, talented players who play with no fear whoever we’re up against. We think we can win every game and the energy and buzz around the team is really exciting. I love playing with my friends and we’re a really tight unit."

On learning their lessons from the past:

"What’s pleasing is that we managed to grind the win out. It’s nice to know we’ve learnt some lessons from last season and I think if we hadn’t, we might have buckled under their pressure. Bex Condie is our rock at the back who holds everything together. She is the glue that keeps us tight, but everyone played their part. The energy and determination in the last ten minutes was crazy!"

On the upcoming challenges:

"We have two very big games coming up with Surbiton and Holcombe. I’m very confident, though. We have a lot of energy, fitness and enthusiasm in the group and I’m hoping we can use that to overcome their experience. Whatever happens we’ll give them both a good run-around, that’s for sure. I’m desperate to get a win from the Holcombe game given the people I live with. I don’t want to have to hide in my room for a week!"

Matt Taylor, Beeston Coach on his side's overall performance:

"We played quite well. There was definitely room for improvement and we’re not there yet but given the international players haven’t really been with us through pre-season I thought we put together a professional display."

On the five different scorers:

"We shown some improvements in our structure compared with last season and we’ve looked at trying to get goals from all over rather than relying on one or two people so that was a pleasing aspect. We need to be better without the ball and make better choices with the ball but we feel good after a strong win and it boosts our confidence no end."

On the upcoming clash with Wimbledon:

"We’re looking forward to Wimbledon. They were one of only two teams to beat us last season so I guess we owe them some payback. They’ve lost a couple of players but gained some too, so I think they’ll play slightly differently. We're looking forward to the game, no doubt."

On performance vs. result:

"Obviously the results are important but I would like to see us improving our performance week on week. We have a squad of players who accept nothing less than winning each game so obviously we want to get those points. If you offered me a poor performance and a win or a loss and a good performance, I'd take the first one, of course, but we are striving to get both if we can."

University of Birmingham continue their Investec Premier Division campaign this week against Surbiton, for all the fixtures click here.

Beeston go up against Wimbledon who will be looking to repeat last season's heroics against the Bees. For all the fixtures in the NOW: Pensions Men's League click here.

England Hockey Board Media release



Entries go global for top international schools/clubs hockey festival

JONATHAN COOK

Entries have opened for the 12th annual Cape Town Under-18 International Schools/Clubs Hockey Festival for boys’ and girls’ first teams that takes place from July 21 to 26 next year, and if the glowing endorsements by highly respected hockey personalities of this year’s tournament are anything to go by, next year’s event promises to be an even bigger success.

Former England and Great Britain international Matt Daly, who was manager of London’s Kingston Grammar School boys’ side this year, said how impressed he was with the standard of the 2014 event.

“The quality of play, the athleticism of the boys and girls, the youth of some of the players, it’s a great event in every respect,” said Daly, who was in the Great Britain team that ended fourth at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

The highly regarded Paul Roos Gym boys' first team coach Neville Rothman gave high praise to the tournament.  "The organisation is world-class," said Rothman, who is also the head coach of the South Africa U18 team. "Communication between the organisers and the schools is excellent, the festival is well-managed and an absolute pleasure to play in.”

The 2014 tournament saw 44 teams taking part, made up of 22 boys’ teams and 22 girls’ teams in a remarkable total of 142 full matches over six days (one day being a rest day) on top-rated Astros along with qualified umpires, match officials and first-aid teams. An indication of the Festival’s popularity and success is that it has run annually, except for one understandable break, in 2010 during the Fifa World Cup football event.

Rothman made another interesting point: "The international schools tournament also offers South African boys and girls the opportunity to experience different styles of hockey, and the festival is a great refresher after the July holidays and something we always look forward to.”

Former England and Great Britain goalkeeper Nick Brothers, who played a key role in this year’s event, was impressed with the outstanding individual players in the South African schools. "Some of these players have the potential to go all the way, but there is depth in visiting schools such as Millfield that comes in handy in the knockout stages."

Alexandra High School, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa product Reggie Keates coached the victorious Millfield School from England to the girls’ title this year with South Africa’s 14th-ranked Stellenberg the runners-up in a nail-biting final that went to penalty shootout, with SA’s fifth-ranked Pearson High of the Eastern Cape winning bronze.

Rondebosch shaded SA College School (SACS) in the boys’ gold medal match for back-to-back titles. Paul Roos, ranked third in SA on the www.saschoolsports.co.za website behind top school Maritzburg College and second-placed Westville, beat Wynberg in the bronze medal clash to add to their silver medals in the previous two years.

A number of top overseas and local entries have already confirmed their participation in the 2015 showpiece of all that is good in hockey.

From England, those confirmed are Chigwell School, Sevenoaks School, Taunton School and top England girls’ team Repton School, while Millfield School have just informed the organisers that they will be returning to defend their girls’ title.

Previous winners, the outstanding New South Wales Bushrangers of Australia, will be back in full force.

Confirmed from South Africa’s top boys’ schools so far are the 2013 and 2014 champions Rondebosch Boys’ High, who are gunning for a hat-trick of titles next year, while another top school, Paul Roos, are looking to turn two silvers and a bronze into pure gold in 2015.

Top clubs and schools in Holland, Canada and a number of other countries have also indicated interest while tournament director and festival founder Chris Brothers and his dedicated team  are in discussions with several top KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, schools who have expressed strong interest in signing up for the 2015 festival.

Perhaps the last word should come from South Africa’s internationally respected hockey journalist Jonathan Cook, who has attended the past three festivals in the role of media officer.

“I have been to world-level tournaments, from Olympic Qualifiers to World Cups, in countries like Argentina, India, Japan and many all over Europe, as well as top domestic and continental events in South Africa and Africa, and can say without hesitation that the Cape Town U18 International ranks with the very best in every respect.

“This festival, which includes a fantastic opening ceremony on day one, also has a rest day during which teams have the opportunity to visit Robben Island, where the father of the South African nation, the revered Nelson Mandela, was imprisoned for decades, as well as to go up Table Mountain, which has been named one of the Seven Wonders of Nature, or just do whatever they like, so there's plenty of education and sheer fun to be had outside the actual hockey competition itself, in which there are medals and prizes on offer for just about everyone.

“I wouldn't miss it for the world."

To get a taste of the Festival, please take a look at the fantastic You Tube video at http://goo.gl/JExgfE

To see the various packages for 2015 that are now available from TEAM Sports, go to www.teamsports.co.za

For personal attention, speak to Jeffrey Parker at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  or  +27 21 525 2542 and +27 79 899 5585.

Cape Town Under-18 International Schools/Clubs Hockey Festival media release



SAI misplaces Balbir Singh Sr's priceless possessions

CHANDIGARH: Hockey legend Balbir Singh Sr. has claimed that Sports Authority of India has misplaced his priceless memorabilia, which inculdes his Olympic blazer, medals and rare pictures he had donated to SAI in 1985.

The tripple Olympci gold medallist said that he had donated his collection to A S Talwar, the then SAI secretary but when he inquired about them before the 2012 London Olympics, SAI officials claimed ignorance.

"I have donated everything I had except Olympic medals and Padamshri award to SAI. They told me at that time that it will be housed in the SAI sports museum to be built at Jawahar Lal Nehru stadium in New Delhi but it never happened," Balbir said.

"That included Melbourne Olympic blazer, 24 medals including Tokyo Asiad (1958) silver, some rare snaps with India's first Governor General C Rajgopalachari, first President Dr Rajendra Prasad, first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Mrs Indira Gandhi," the gold medal winner of London (1948), Helsinki (1952) and Melbourne (1956) Olympics claimed.

He said that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) wanted the Melbourne Games blazer to be a part of official London Olympic exhibition where he was the only Indian amongst 16 chosen Olympic legends across of modern Olympic history.

"That is when my grandson contacted SAI to get that blazer as I had nothing with me apart from Olympic medals. But SAI officials said that they don't know about the whereabouts of my treasure so I sent only Olympic medals to London which were showcased there," said the ace centre forward, whose world record for most goals scored by an individual in an in the men's hockey final of Olympics still remains unbeaten. Balbir scored five goals in India's 6-1 victory over the Netherlands in the gold medal game of the 1952 Games.

His daughter Sushbir Bhoomia said that they have written to then sports minister Ajay Maken and SAI officials but did not get a positive reply.

"We wrote to Mr. Ajay Maken who reffered this to SAI. We got a letter from then SAI secretary Gopal Krishna on 18th July, 2012 which says that they have checked up the availability of blazer both at SAI NIS, Patiala and Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi but the blazer was not available in the inventory of both the places. They also said that it was confirmed that this thing not with SAI," she said.

Asked about the matter, SAI centre Patiala's Regional Director S S Roy said,"I am unaware of this as I have joined recently but I will definitely check."

Sushbir said she wants to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to seek justice for her father.

"We have never mentioned this to anyone but enough is enough. My father has been tolerating injustice for long. Players with less achievements have been getting awards and rewards but he never complained. The only award he got till date is Padamshri and that too in 1957," she said.

"If you can't give him anything for his achievements, please don't rob him of his priceless possessions. His medals and blazer not only are the legacy of our family but they are also national heritage which will inspire future generations. I urge PM Narendra Modi to intervene in this matter."

Meanwhile, Balbir Sr has wished good luck to Indian hockey teams for the Incheon Asian Games.

"I want the team to come back with gold medal as medals are the symbol of hard work and dedication you have shown on the field for your country," he said.

The Times of India



Hockey turf damaged during WKL

Sukhmeet Bhasin


The damaged area of the turf at the hockey stadium in Bathinda on Monday. Pawan Sharma

Bathinda - The synthetic turf at the newly-built hockey stadium here has been damaged even before hosting a hockey match. A part of the turf, which cost Rs 3 crore, at the Government Rajindra College was torn after a speaker box fell off a stage during a match of the ongoing World Kabaddi League (WKL).

District Sports Officer Amrik Singh said that the organisers will be fined after assessing the extent of the damage. Commissioner of WKL, Pargat Singh, was unavailable for a comment.

It is pertinent to mention that the hockey stadium is still incomplete and that the Sports Department took charge from the contractors just two days before the league was to be organised here.

In March this year, the Sports Department had refused to take charge of the stadium, pointing out 37 faults to the contractors. A parking lot and a mini-turf ground for warm-up, which are in the architectural plan, have still not been made. The Sports Department hasn’t hired a watchman.

The stadium, which was started in 2012, was to be completed by January 2013. After a delay of more than one and a half year, many things are still incomplete. Sources said that the government had fixed Rs 11 crore as the budget which has now proved insufficient and the completion will require Rs 3 crore more.

The Tribune



PHF sells marketing rights of Johar Town Hockey Stadium

LAHORE: The Management Committee of the Johar Town Hockey Stadium has sold the stadium’s marketing and branding rights to Rahat Marketing for an annual amount of Rs six million. The contract will be for a period of two years. Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) president Akhtar Rasool Chaudhary, who is also chairman of the Management Committee Johar Town Hockey Stadium, and Rahat Marketing’s Chaudhry Mohammed Akram signed the contract at a graceful ceremony held at the stadium on Monday. Speaking on the occasion, Akhtar said that without sponsorship no sport can flourish and he was thankful to Rahat Marketing for their support to boost sports activities at the Johar Town Hockey Stadium. He appealed to other potential sponsors to come forward to help hockey, the national game of Pakistan.

Akram said that his organisation had entered into this contract in the best national interest and he expected others to join this sacred campaign. "We understand the importance of sports which is essential to eradicate social ills in the society. This is the collective responsibility of corporate sector to come forward and develop and promote sports culture in the country to keep our young generation away from anti-social activities," Akran added.

Meanwhile, Akhtar has formed a three-member committee headed by Olympian Arshad Chaudhry to finalise the list of national hockey team captains who brought laurels for the country. Senior sports journalist Asif Sohail and administrator Shafiq Bhatti are the members of the committee. The pictures of the selected captains will be installed at the Johar Hockey Stadium.

The Daily Times

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